Nevada Consumer Affairs to host free Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair in Las Vegas March 10

Las Vegas fair to be held as part of National Consumer Protection Week March 5-11

Las Vegas, NV - March 01, 2017

Chances are, you have been a target of a scam or know of someone that has been caught up in a scheme that has resulted in financial loss and stress of being victimized.  There is no shortage of predators looking to make an easy buck off of unsuspecting consumers.  And while some fraud attempts are obvious, others can be cleverly disguised and can look like legitimate offers.    

By the time you’ve heard about a particular scam on the news or from a neighbor, the fraudsters have moved on to a new scheme.   So what can you do to protect yourself against becoming a victim of a fraud?  Where do you turn to get information about a company’s reputation before you sign a contract for a product or service? What community resources are available if you need help?

National Consumer Protection Week (“NCPW”), March 5-11, was established to help bring awareness and education to help people understand their rights as a consumer, how to make well-informed decisions about personal security, what steps you should take if you come across a scam, and what resources are available in your local community.  

In conjunction with NCPW, Nevada Consumer Affairs (“NCA”), a unit of the Department of Business and Industry, is hosting a FREE Consumer Fraud Prevention Fair on Friday, March 10 at the Las Vegas Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.  

A resource expo will be open throughout the day with participation from more than 20 government agencies and nonprofit organizations including, but not limited to: AARP Nevada, Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Nevada Contractor’s Board, Nevada Legal Services, and Ombudsman for Consumer Affairs for Minorities.     

Two fraud prevention panel discussions are scheduled for 11:15 am and 1:00 pm.  The morning panel features representatives from Nevada Consumer Affairs, AARP Nevada and the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Wes Duncan, First Assistant Attorney General, will provide opening the remarks. The afternoon panel features representatives from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Orbis Solutions and the Federal Trade Commission.  

A catered brown bag lunch and refreshments will be provided courtesy of AARP Nevada and The Vegas Voice.

About Nevada Consumer Affairs

NCA investigates consumer complaints pertaining to deceptive and fraudulent business practices.  Consumers that live in or visit Nevada can contact Nevada Consumer Affairs for assistance in resolving issues of fraud or deceptive trade practices involving Nevada-based businesses. Areas that NCA can investigate include, but are not limited to: pyramid promotional schemes, sales promotions, telecommunications services and door-to-door sales.  The office will also provide referrals for issues that fall within the jurisdiction of another agency or organization.  

In 2016, NCA assisted approximately 2,000 consumers , with the top category of complaints involving product purchases.  Of all complaints received and processed through a formal investigation, NCAinvestigators were able to recover nearly $200,000 for consumers.      

We know that thousands of Nevadans are targeted by scams and fall prey to unfair or fraudulent business practices every year ,” said Cris Carmona, NCA Chief Investigator. “In addition to processing and resolving consumer complaints, we are also are focused on educating consumers before they become victims.  But in the event that it does happen, we are here to help.”  

Consumers are encouraged to visit http://consumeraffairs.nv.gov or contact the office for assistance at 775-684-1910 or toll free 844-594-7275.    

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Contact

Teri Williams
Public Information Officer
702-486-0407